FERNS AS A HOBBY
Photograph by Edwin Hale Lincoln
A BIT OF NEW ENGLAND SPRING
The laxly uncoiling fronds are those of the Lady Fern (Athyrium angustlum) at an early
stage, when the pink-veined flowers of the Spring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana) are at their
prime, as shown by the picture.
Naturally, the ferns of long-settled
temperate regions are best known, yet
even in Europe distinct new species are
occasionally discovered. In all North
America north of Mexico about 250 spe
cies are known, and the number is stead
ily growing as botanical exploration goes
on in the Southwest and in certain parts
of tropical Florida.
Notwithstanding their apparent abun
dance in favored northern localities, it is
in truly tropical regions that ferns reach
their highest development as to number
of species, for here only are combined the
prime requisites: heavy rainfall and
equable temperatures
throughout the
year, with wide range in elevation.
Far from being rooted in the ground,
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